RMAP launches sustainability plan

The Rockford Metropolitan agency for Planning (RMAP) has released its “Blueprint To a More Sustainable and Dynamic Future in anticipation of National Transportation Day, Friday, May, 21. The Sustainability Blueprint, created in conjunction with the HUD/DOT/EPA Sustainable Communities Partnership, seeks to help area citizens gain better access to affordable housing, more efficient transportation options and benefit from lower transportation costs and higher quality of life in the future.

The document can be viewed in PDF format at http://www.rmapil.org. Just click on the link in the left-side navigation bar. Print copies are available through the RMAP office by contacting Christina at chris.washington@rockfordil.gov or 815-964-7627.

The goals of the Blueprint (and RMAP’s mission) are as follows: enhanced and better-integrated planning and investment in housing and transportation infrastructure; more enlightened and sustainable land use planning and investment; a vision for sustainable growth; a recognition that urban planning can either enhance or damage economic development, and more integrated cooperation among leadership agencies in the Rockford Region.

An additional and equally-important goal is to initiate a more united stream of communication with state and federal elected officials and agencies. The timing of the planning process itself and this new way of working together is not an accident. RMAP officials have closely monitored changes at the federal level and seek to position the Rockford Region to be best prepared to capitalize on what amounts to a “new way of doing business” in seeking federal transportation grants.

Cooperating organizations include: the City of Rockford, Winnebago County, the City of Belvidere, the City of Loves Park, Boone County, the Village of Machesney Park, the Rockford Area Economic Development Council, the Rockford Housing Authority, Chicago/Rockford International Airport, the Rock River Development Partnership, Align Rockford and others.

The Sustainability Blueprint sets the stage for future success and serves as a key policy statement for all programs involving the federal government in the future—including current work products that have yet to be finalized. For more information, contact the RMAP officers or visit the RMAP web site at http://www.rmapil.org. RMAP is at 313 N. Main St., Rockford, IL, 61101. Call (815) 964-6913, or e-mail rmapil.org.

RMAP

RMAP is the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Rockford Region. All metropolitan areas larger than 50,000 population are required by federal law to have MPOs to plan and coordinate decisions regarding transportation systems and related issues. Regional transportation stakeholders participate in all decision-making and policy planning. A nearly constant state of flux and the dynamic of transportation problems require MPOs to be in constant motion. RMAP is empowered and governed by an intergovernmental agreement between the cities of Rockford, Loves Park, Belvidere; the counties of Winnebago and Boone; the village of Machesney Park and the State of Illinois. RMAPs Policy Committee, consisting of top elected offi cials, directs RMAP’s activities.

RMAPs planning processes are funded primarily by Federal Highway Administration grants and the Federal Transit Administration, as well as local 20 percent matching funds.